Osteoarthritis is the most common chronic pain condition in dogs, and modern multimodal management combining new drug classes, rehabilitation, and environmental modification can dramatically improve quality of life.
Osteoarthritis in dogs creates a pervasive but underestimated welfare burden: because it develops gradually, owners normalize the progressive changes in their dog's activity, assuming they reflect normal aging rather than chronic pain. A dog who no longer jumps on the sofa, takes longer to rise in the morning, or is less enthusiastic about walks may be experiencing significant joint pain that its stoic nature conceals. The availability of Librela (bedinvetmab) - a monthly injection targeting nerve growth factor signaling in pain pathways - has added an important option for dogs that cannot tolerate or be reliably medicated with daily NSAIDs. Physical rehabilitation through certified canine rehabilitation therapists provides functional improvement alongside pain management. The combination of weight management, appropriate exercise, pharmaceutical pain control, and environmental modification (ramps, orthopedic bedding, non-slip surfaces) addresses arthritis welfare on multiple dimensions simultaneously.